Spectreview: Palatine Trio – Palatine Trio

-GREY-

“I drew a line
Waiting to see if you would set inside”

Progressive rock has its champions, but there are some who decry the genre as indulgent and excessive, valuing technical skill and instrumental pyrotechnics over compositional control. Palatine Trio’s approach to progressive rock is consequently refreshing, as their debut album rolls smoothly through through lush arrangements anchored by steady, clean arpeggiated guitar. Some hallmarks of traditional prog rock remain: the rhythm section can sometimes lean on the side of overly busy and the album’s six tracks often run just a little too long, but for the most part these tracks are relatively restrained, more content to settle on a single mood than careen wildly across time and key signatures. The band’s unique approach appears in flourishes; there’s a very subtle mbira presence on tracks like “Remain Calm,” while the impressive prog-ballad “Cracks” rides close to Coldplay territory, in a good way. Zach Horton’s vocals, tonally level with a touch of melisma, are EQ’d fittingly for the arrangements but sound a little over-compressed, sticking out instead of blending in. When the band’s in full gear, like on the unspooling epic “Sundance,” they hit several highs at once, and moody closer “Rhino” ends things on a strong, if abrupt, note. As far as progressive albums go, Palatine Trio values a sense of place and a palpable atmosphere over technical achievement, and that alone is enough to give this album your attention.

Recommended for pensive trips to the local conservatory.